Social Media & Divorce — How it Could Affect You in Ways You Had Not Considered

By Bob Mitton, CDFA®, CEO & Founder of Tidal Pointe Divorce Advisors & Wealth Manager & Director of Retirement Planning Strategy, Savannah Wealth Group

Divorce is one of life’s most emotionally disruptive events, and it can also be one of the most financially consequential. In today’s world, where social media is woven into our daily routines, many people overlook the risks their online presence can pose during a divorce. 

In fact, social media isn’t just a distraction, it’s showing up in the courtroom. Roughly one in seven divorces today cite social media as a contributing factor. Whether it’s used to uncover evidence, influence custody decisions, or escalate tensions between spouses, what you share online can have real consequences.

As someone who helps clients plan for life after divorce, I’ve seen firsthand how a single post can shift the direction of a legal case. Let’s walk through how social media can impact your divorce and what you can do to protect yourself along the way.

How Social Media Contributes to Divorce

Social media platforms were designed to connect us, but when relationships are already under strain, they can have the opposite effect.

One of the most common issues I see is comparison fatigue. People often post the highlight reels of their lives, vacations, new homes, happy family moments. If you’re in a struggling relationship, these posts can trigger feelings of inadequacy, jealousy, or resentment. Over time, these emotional reactions can chip away at a marriage’s stability.

Infidelity, or the perception of it, also plays a role. Social media makes it easy to reconnect with past partners or forge new relationships in seemingly innocent ways. DMs, likes, or comments might not seem like a big deal, but they can cause significant damage if trust is already fragile.

Another growing concern is distraction and disengagement. Whether it’s doom-scrolling late at night or prioritizing online interactions over in-person connection, too much time on social media can create emotional distance between partners.

Add in gambling apps, misinformation from unqualified “divorce coaches,” and social media addiction, and the result is a landscape where it’s easy to disconnect from your spouse and from reality.

What You Post Will Be Used

If you're headed for divorce, your online activity becomes part of the equation. Family law attorneys increasingly turn to social media to gather evidence that can influence everything from custody to asset division.

Photos, check-ins, status updates, and even tagged posts from friends can paint a picture—accurate or not that affects how a judge views your behavior and judgment. For example, pictures of nights out, excessive drinking, or dating too soon can all be misconstrued and used against you.

Even if your account is private, don’t assume your posts are safe. Screenshots, mutual connections, or even children of your ex-spouse’s friends can create a digital trail. Once you hit “post,” you lose control of the narrative.

Navigating Social Media Before, During, and After Divorce

Before You File 

If you’re considering divorce, now is the time to think carefully about your digital footprint. Avoid airing grievances, sharing cryptic posts, or posting anything that could be interpreted as reckless or insensitive.

Let your close friends and family know what’s going on—and ask them not to post about your spouse or the situation. This isn’t about secrecy; it’s about discretion.

During Divorce Proceedings Once divorce proceedings are underway, it’s best to treat your social media like a courtroom, anything you say can and will be used against you.

Consider deactivating your accounts temporarily. If that’s not possible, post sparingly, avoid discussing the case, and keep photos of your social life to a minimum. Even innocent updates can be taken out of context.

If you share children with your ex, agree in writing (with help from your legal team if necessary) on what can and cannot be posted regarding them. And most importantly, resist the urge to use social media as a platform for venting or retaliation.

After the Divorce You may feel relieved or even eager to reclaim your identity online once the divorce is finalized. Still, tread carefully.

Legal agreements, especially custody and financial ones, can be modified down the line if there’s evidence that circumstances have changed. That new job promotion or expensive vacation? If posted publicly, it could open the door to requests for more support or custody changes.

Keeping your tone respectful and your privacy settings tight remains important, especially if children are involved.

Smart Guidelines for Social Media Use During Divorce

Do: - Follow your attorney’s guidance at all times. Review your privacy settings and limit who can see your content. Ask friends not to tag you in photos or check-ins. -Be thoughtful about what you post and why, less is usually more. Document and save any posts from your ex that may be relevant to your case (but don’t engage).

Don’t: Post about your ex, even vaguely or indirectly. Flaunt new purchases, lifestyle upgrades, or dating activity. Assume privacy settings will shield your content. Share parenting moments unless you and your ex have agreed on terms. Use social media as a way to “check up on” your former spouse.

Final Thoughts

Social media is an everyday part of life, but during divorce, it becomes something much bigger. It’s not about being afraid of technology, it’s about being smart with it.

A thoughtful, cautious approach can protect your reputation, your children, your finances, and your future. And remember, the goal isn’t to win every battle, it’s to move forward with the next chapter of your life.

If you’re in the middle of a divorce or preparing for one, We're here to help you navigate the financial complexities with confidence and care.